Trusts

Our trusts practice advises individual and commercial clients on the establishment, administration and structuring of all types of BVI, Cayman and Cyprus trusts.

High net worth individuals and corporate clients have an array of important wealth management needs, frequently with a multi-jurisdictional dimension. Families are becoming more global and tax and financial planning more heavily regulated, driving the need for sound, technical advice. Harneys provide bespoke and innovative succession and wealth management solutions to a wide range of clients from a wide range of countries.

Individual private clients seek solutions ranging from simple one generation succession planning trusts to more complex dynasty trusts designed to hold a family’s wealth for many generations. Our lawyers have a wealth of expertise in BVI VISTA Trusts, Cayman STAR Trusts and Cyprus International Trusts. In addition to assisting families with wealth management, succession planning and asset protection, we advise on philanthropic pursuits, assisting with the establishment of charitable trusts and foundations. In the commercial context, Harneys advise on the creation and management of unit trusts, pension trusts, purpose trusts and EBTs. Our lawyers are well-versed in the establishment and operation of private trust companies, often in the context of highly complex overall structures. Additionally, we have strong experience in drafting all types of wills, from simple wills disposing of shares in a BVI, Cayman or Cyprus company, to more complex wills establishing family trusts.

Our trusts team has earned a global reputation for excellence due to our personal, commercially sensitive, and pragmatic approach.

Our trusts team was shortlisted as a finalist for International Legal Team of the Year at the STEP Private Client Awards in 2016/17 and 2017/8. With a global team spanning the BVI, Cayman, Cyprus, London and Asia, we are able to support clients wherever they are worldwide. Our clients include the world's leading law firms, multinational corporations, major financial institutions and high net worth individual private clients.

Our trusts lawyers work alongside Harneys Fiduciary, which provides a full complement of corporate, wealth and fiduciary services in the BVI, the Cayman Islands and Cyprus.

We also work closely with our leading litigation teams in the BVI, Cayman, London and Asia to provide advice on trusts litigation and contentious matters involving international trusts disputes and cross-border probate.